to Wotton, my brother Evelyn then spoke very earnestly to me about it. In the meantime, Mr. B. desired to know, whether if by the end of the Michaelmas Term (then) ensuing) he had a hearing and determination of his suit in Chancery to his advantage, he might be admitted to proceed again, which my wife returned an answer to. That term expiring, and nothing done by which he could. well settle any present jointure (without much hazard), I could not imagine that the admitting one visit only (for it was no more) of a gentleman who made no address until the end of November, was to be rejected, Mr. B. being himself uncertain of bringing his concerns to any conclusion, as I was informed from his own lawyer. In this circumstance could I do less than propose Sir L. S. to my daughter, or more for Mr. B. than (when I found her. uneasy) to desire him not to make any addresses, in as fair and decent a manner as I could. That I acquainted my brother Evelyn how unhappy I was, beset so with difficulties, is but what I thought myself obliged to do to those who proposed him to us, when Mr. B. had desisted. I must in the meantime own, that Sir Lawrence was a person whom I could not but see to be every way suitable to my circumstances, so near the place where I am likely (with God's blessing) to continue our family, and to whom we formerly had a near relation, and which would have renewed a considerable interest in the country, with such other inducements as might have made a less indulgent father to have used authority in these encounters, where there was no exception. But I have been so far from doing it, that I have, since all this, again utterly rejected a proposal of another person of great estate, and every way qualified beyond any reasonable exception, to gratify inclinations of what I all along, and as far as I am able, have set apart for my daughter's portion to be accepted of, as it would have been by those I mentioned, who yet did offer a very ample jointure and indisputable settlement. As, therefore, to the addition of 5007. more, which I understand by you is insisted on, it is what I could never promise positively, because it may never be in my power: but as it is not twice that sum which I could stick to give to make my daughter happy, so I must not oblige myself by covenant, and make that a debt

on my estate which I do in kindness only, if God shall me able. The present estate hanging over me, being so many ways encumbered; and what I now possess, so settled as I cannot reasonably charge it; nor is there reason I should, since by the method of even a Smithfield bargain, there ought to be a proportionable addition of 507. per annum to the jointure of 2007. a-year, which is worth a thousand pounds. Many other things I could say upon this article, but I will not tire a fair lady, whose friendship and prudence I rely on for my justification, and if need be, for reconciliation, to make use of this paper as you think convenient. If the pretended lover outweigh the five hundred pounds, there will need, I think, few words to the bargain.

I am, Dearest Cousin, &c.

From John Evelyn to Dr. Plot.

WORTHY DOCTOR,

Sayes-Court, 27th August, 1693.

Our common and excellent friend, Mr. Pepys, acquaints me, that you would be glad to know upon what I am at present engaged relating to Coins, there being (it seems) a design of publishing something about that subject as they concern the money of this nation. It is true indeed (and as I remember to have told you) that I had blotted some sheets upon an argument of that nature, but without the least reference to current money, ancient or modern, but on such Medals as relate purely to something historical, which does not at all interfere with other coins, unless it be such as our Spur-royal, as they call it, being a single stamp of gold, and, as you know, suggesting something of our story here in England, besides its intrinsic value, upon which account I may have occasion to mention it. For the rest, I meddle not with them. But this prompts me to send my request to you for the assistance you promised, by imparting to me what you had of this kind, which might contribute to what I am now preparing, and by which you will very much oblige, Sir, yours, &c.

From John Evelyn to Lord Spencer.

MY LORD,

Deptford, 4th September, 1693.

Though I have not the opportunity of waiting on your lordship so often as I ought and should do, was Ĭ perfectly at my own disposure (which by reason of many impediments in my circumstances of late I neither have been, nor as yet am), yet my worthiest thoughts and inclinations are never absent from you; and I often revive myself with the meditation of your virtues, and some very few noble young persons more, when that of the sad decadence of the age we live and converse in interposes its melancholy prospect.

I was with great appetite coming to take a repast in the noble library which I hear you have lately purchased (and by the catalogue I have seen, must needs be a very chosen collection), when at the same time I understand you are taking a journey with resolution of making a tour about England, thereby joining to books and paper-descriptions, experience; and to speculation, the seeing of the things themselves. It has certainly been a great mistake and very preposterous in our education, the usually sending our young gentlemen to travel abroad, and see foreign countries, before they have seen or known anything of their own. Your lordship remembers who says it, Ne sis peregrinus domi; and therefore worthily done, and memorable in my Lord Treasurer Burleigh, to hinder the Council, who in those days it seems used to give passes to travel, from granting them to any who had not first seen and could give a good account of their own country. Your lordship, therefore, has taken the best and most natural method; and I know not what can now be added to the rest of your accomplishments, but the continuance of your health, which I shall pray may attend all your motions, who am,

My lord, your, &c.

From Dr. Plot to John Evelyn.

HONOURED SIR,

Threadneedle Street, London, 2nd October, 1693.

According to your desire, I have looked out all the historical medals I have in my possession, which I have laid aside for your use, whenever you please to call for them. In the meantime I must beg a favour of you in behalf of the University of Oxford, who are now publishing a tract of Plutarch's concerning education, and would gladly add another of St. Chrysostom, published in France by Combefis, in Greek, could they meet with the book. Paul's Churchyard and Little Britain have been searched for it without success, nor is there now any hopes left but in you, who it seems have translated it into English, wherefore they presume you must have the Greek copy, which they promise themselves (upon my importunity) you will be pleased to accommodate them with. Wherein you are also desired to be very speedy, because they design to have both tracts out before Christinas. Our common and most excellent friend, Mr. Pepys, told me this day he hoped to see you this week, with whom, should I be out of town (as I guess I may on Wednesday and Thursday, in quest of some Roman antiquities now under my consideration), I desire you would leave the book; wherein you will very much oblige the whole University, and amongst them more particularly,

Your most humble and obliged servant,

ROB. PLOT.

SIR,

From Robert Berkeley to John Evelyn.

Worcester, Oct. 26th, 1693.

In my last I think I did not justice to Monsieur Quintinye, having not then been so well acquainted with his book, which is the best of any of that kind (I presume)

VOL. III.

Z

in the extent of it; but in the general, doubtless your works are much more preferable as comprehending the universal art of gardening; and were they printed, as they are wished by all who have any knowledge of them, would be the most celebrated in the world, and remain as a rule to govern us in future ages; which I hope you will consider of, both in duty to yourself and your country, that what you have not time to digest into that requisite order, whilst you live, you will leave them in such hands as shall see them published. I should highly recommend Mr. Bentley to you, if you were a stranger to him or to his merit. I believe there is nothing in your power you can deny him, being a lover and patron of all virtue and learning. I entreat of you and your excellent lady to accept my most humble services.

I am, with real affection,

Your most faithful friend,

R. BERKELEY.

From James Quine to John Evelyn.

MOST HONOURED SIR,

28th March, 1694.

These are from him who lately made you the late visit, and was troublesomely curious concerning Milton, the greatest man that ever rose in civil poetry, nor know I any greater in prose: let Shakspeare live, and let Mr. Cowley not die, wherein he is chaste, but not compared. But still may we not say that poetry has been for the most part divorced from its proper use and end, and obliged to contract strange marriages with vanity and vice, and spend itself in flattery and lying, in confounding the good and the bad, in emptiness and debauch, in saying all that it can say, without any regard to truth or virtue or honour, and that her fall is equal to that of the son of the morning. It is long, excellent sir, that I have honoured and very much loved your name, your character, your genius, and your writings, and the solid and the obstinate friendship you seem to me to have held with virtue and religion in the midst of a crooked and a foolish generation; though